Chittering WitchHow it works & interactions with other cards

Rat Generation and Multiplayer Scaling

When Chittering Witch enters the battlefield, her triggered ability checks how many opponents you currently have. In a standard two-player game, she will create one 1/1 black Rat creature token. In multiplayer formats like Commander, she becomes significantly more powerful, creating a Rat for each opponent still in the game. Note that if an opponent has already been eliminated, they do not count toward this total.

Sacrificial Removal

The Witch's activated ability costs one black mana, one generic mana, and the sacrifice of a creature. This ability targets a creature and gives it -2/-2 until the end of the turn. Because this is an activated ability, you can use it at instant speed as long as you can pay the costs. You can even sacrifice Chittering Witch herself to her own ability if needed.

Strategic Timing

A common mistake is forgetting that the sacrifice is a cost, not an effect. Once you announce the ability and pay the cost by sacrificing a creature, that creature is gone before anyone can respond. To maximize value, look to sacrifice creatures that have 'dies' triggers or creatures that were already targeted by your opponent's removal spells.

Interaction examples

Scaling the Swarm

Roaming Throne

If you control Roaming Throne with 'Human' or 'Warlock' chosen, Chittering Witch's entry ability triggers an additional time. In a four-player game (three opponents), the Witch will trigger twice, creating a total of six 1/1 black Rat creature tokens.

Sacrificial Value

Solemn Simulacrum

You can activate Chittering Witch's ability by sacrificing Solemn Simulacrum. The Witch's ability goes on the stack targeting an opponent's creature, and Solemn Simulacrum's 'dies' ability also triggers, allowing you to draw a card while simultaneously weakening or destroying a threat.

Rat Infestation

Rat

Chittering Witch provides her own fuel. By spending mana and sacrificing the Rat tokens she created upon entry, you can give multiple target creatures -2/-2. This is particularly effective for picking off small utility creatures or shrinking a large attacker so it can be safely blocked.